Concrete-filled Steel Tubular Columns Research Articles

Behaviour and design of prestressed stayed circular concrete-filled double skin steel tubular (PS-CCFDSST) columns under axial compression

An innovative type of steel-concrete composite column, named the prestressed stayed circular concrete-filled double skin steel tubular (PS-CCFDSST) column, is introduced in this study, aiming to achieve both structural efficiency and economic advantages. Numerical simulation and theoretical analysis on the axial compressive behaviour of PS-CCFDSST columns were carried out, to understand and reveal their fundamental working mechanisms. Nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) utilising ABAQUS was performed and validated against collected test data of CCFDSST columns and PS columns. Properly designed PS-CCFDSST columns could gain cost savings of over 30 % while maintaining identical load-bearing capacity as prestressed stayed hollow steel tube (PS-HST) columns with the same steel usage. The effects of initial pretension, nominal steel ratio, hollow ratio, column’s slenderness ratio, relative length of struts, column diameter, strut diameter and cable area on the buckling mode and buckling capacity of PS-CCFDSST columns were evaluated via parametric studies. The stiffness ratio β could be used as an index to comprehensively assess the structural efficiency of PS-CCFDSST columns, and a critical threshold of β = 2 corresponds to the transition between symmetric and anti-symmetric buckling modes. Linear calculation formulae for the theoretical buckling capacity and optimal initial pretension of PS-CCFDSST columns were derived. Finally, practical design equations for predicting the column’s buckling capacity were developed, and recommended values for the actual optimal initial pretension and other primary parameters were provided for PS-CCFDSST columns under axial compression. This study, for the first time, provides the fundamental mechanical behaviour, identification of the critical stiffness ratio for buckling mode transition, and design framework for buckling capacity of the PS-CCFDSST column, which is useful for advancing theoretical exploration and informing engineering practices for this new column type.

Fiber-based model for rectangular/square concrete-filled steel tubular columns under arbitrary end moment ratios considering member imperfection

This paper develops a fiber-based model for rectangular/square concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns under arbitrary end moments considering the member imperfection. The accuracy of the proposed model regarding the prediction of capacity, deflection curves and full range curves is verified using a collected test database. The verified model is further used to investigate the behaviour of rectangular/square CFST columns under arbitrary end moments. It was found that the varying trends of strength and deformation capacity of rectangular/square CFST columns under arbitrary end moments are opposite while increasing the end moment ratio β, L/r ratio and fc, whereas those are the same if increasing b/t ratio and fy. Higher fy and/or smaller b/t ratio may be adopted in order to achieve larger strength and deformation capacity simultaneously. The location of maximum deflection at peak state hkp/L is only significantly affected by end moment ratio β, whereas the location of critical section at peak state hcp/L is significantly affected by end moment ratio β, L/r ratio and yield strength fy. Moreover, current design codes, i.e., EC4, AISC 360 and GB50936–2014, were found to poorly predict the resistance to axial load and bending moment of rectangular/square CFST columns under arbitrary end moments.

Experimental study on seismic behavior of concrete-filled steel tubular columns subjected to localized corrosion

The seismic behavior of a circular concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) subjected to localized corrosion was investigated experimentally. The effects of localized corrosion parameters (corrosion depth ratio, circumferential corrosion ratio, longitudinal corrosion ratio, and longitudinal location of the corrosion) on the seismic behavior were analyzed. The experimental results showed that localized corrosion significantly influenced the failure mode of the CFST columns. The hysteresis curves exhibited a pinching phenomenon and were asymmetrical about the coordinate origin for the specimens under one-sided corrosion at the bottom of the column. The seismic performance deteriorated with increasing corrosion depth ratio, circumferential corrosion ratio, and longitudinal corrosion ratio for CFST columns corroded at the bottom. Corrosion at the mid-height of the CFST columns had less adverse effects on seismic performance than corrosion at the bottom. Moreover, the plastic hinge varied with the corrosion depth ratio and circumferential corrosion ratio but was minimally influenced by the longitudinal corrosion ratio. The specimen exposed to corrosion at the mid-height yielded plastic hinges at both the bottom and middle of the column.

The ultimate capacity of geopolymer recycled aggregate concrete filled steel tubular columns: Numerical and theoretical study

Concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns have been extensively used due to their numerous advantages including high load-bearing capacity, stiffness, energy absorption, and ductile failure mode. Human awareness toward environmental problems is increasing and research on geopolymer recycled aggregate concrete (GRAC) has gained much attention as a green and sustainable material. However, there is little experimental and numerical research on the behavior of CFST columns with the GRAC as an infill material with the available design codes not yet modified for addressing the utilization of unconventional concrete mixes, such as the GRAC. This research introduces a critical modification of the ACI code provisions using the nonlinear finite element analysis method (FEA) on the behavior of square GRACFST columns under axial compression where the proposed modification was verified using experimental data from the literature. The influence of the length-to-width ratio, width-to-thickness ratio, geopolymer concrete strength, and the recycled aggregate replacement ratio was investigated. Results show that the outward local buckling was the primary failure mode for both short and slender columns. Considerable improvements were observed in the column's load-bearing capacity, initial stiffness, ductility, and energy absorption by (81.0, 101.9, 46.5, and 87.8)%, respectively, achieved upon increasing the steel tube thickness from 3 mm to 9 mm. However, the increase in length-to-width ratio negatively affects the energy absorption by 39 % while the ductility was reduced up to 20.4 %. The predictability of the AISC360-16, ACI318-19, and BS5400-5 codes on the capacity of GRACFST columns was evaluated where conservative predictions were guaranteed with the closest one recorded for the ACI318-19 code with a 24.5 % overestimation percentage. Finally, a modification was proposed to the ACI code prediction, taking into account the inclusion of recycled aggregate and geopolymer concrete with only a 2 % average error.

Behaviour of steel-fibre-reinforced geopolymer concrete-filled square steel tubular stub column under axial compression

Resource utilisation of industrial waste has become a crucial issue in construction aiming for sustainable development. Research on geopolymer concrete-filled square steel tubular (GCFST) structures is limited. Moreover, methods for calculating the bearing capacity of steel-fibre-reinforced GCFST (SFRGCFST) structures require further investigation. This study presents an experimental and analytical investigation of the axial compression performance of SFRGCFST stub columns. Twenty-four specimens were tested to assess the effect of steel tube thickness, steel fibre (SF) volume fraction, SF aspect ratio, and concrete strength grade on failure modes, load–deformation behaviour, load–strain response, ultimate resistance, and ductility of SFRGCFST columns. The results indicated that the failure modes of SFRGCFST columns are influenced by the coefficient index, which varies with the test parameters. When the coefficient index exceeded 0.88, the failure mode of the specimens transitioned from shearing failure to waist-drum-shaped failure. The average ultimate bearing capacity of the SFRGCFST columns increased by 35.13 % compared with that of the plain concrete-filled steel tubes (CFSTs). When the SF volume fraction reached 0.9 %, the ultimate bearing capacity of the SFRGCFST columns increased by 21.85 % compared with that of steel-fibre-reinforced concrete-filled steel tube (SFRCFST) columns. The incorporation of SF significantly improved the deformation capacity and ductility of the SFRGCFST columns and moderated the slope of the post-peak load–displacement and load–strain curves, slowing the descent of the curve. Utilising the multi-axial strength criterion and mechanical equilibrium equation for square CFSTs, a formula for calculating the ultimate bearing capacity of SFRGCFST stub columns was developed. This formula enables accurate prediction of the axial compressive load capacity of SFRGCFST stub columns and provides a basis for revising relevant standards.

Circular concrete-filled double-skin steel tubular short columns under axial compression: An improved theoretical model and design

Existing theoretical analysis methods for concrete-filled double-skin steel tubular (CFDST) short columns generally ignore the reduction of concrete strength due to brittleness. As a result, these methods cannot accurately capture full range behavior for CFDST columns containing high-strength concrete. By focusing on the reduction effect of concrete strength in CFDST columns due to concrete brittleness, this paper proposes a reduction factor for use in design, for the first time. Based on this reduction factor, a theoretical model for axially compressed circular CFDST short columns considering non-uniform confinement effect of the sandwiched concrete is established. A substantial experimental database of 168 CFDST columns with carbon circular steel tubes is then compiled. By comparing with this database, the proposed theoretical model is shown to achieve greater accuracy than existing approaches. Utilizing this model, the influence of column parameters on the performance of the studied CFDST members are investigated and the results are discussed. It is shown that concrete strength, hollow ratio, yield strength of the outer tube, and the diameter-to-thickness ratio of the outer and inner tubes are influential to the ultimate strength and ductility of CFDST columns. However, the yield strength of the inner tube only affects the ultimate strength of CFDST columns but has a negligible influence on the ductility. Finally, utilizing the experimental and theoretical data presented, the accuracy of existing design codes for concrete-filled steel tubes for the design of CFDST members with or without considering the reduction effect of concrete strength is assessed. The results indicate that Eurocode 4 provides a more reasonable prediction result.

Eccentric Compression Behavior of Truss-Reinforced Cross-Shaped Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Columns.

In the paper, the eccentric compression behavior of the truss-reinforced cross-shaped concrete-filled steel tubular (CCFST) column is investigated. A total of eighteen CCFST columns were tested under eccentric compression, and the key test variables included the reinforced truss node spacing (s = 140 mm and 200 mm), slenderness ratio (λ = 9.2, 16.6, and 23.1), and eccentricity ratio (η = 0, 0.08, and 0.15). The failure mode, deformation characteristic, stress distribution, strain distribution at the mid-span of the steel tube, and the eccentric compression bearing capacity were assessed. The results show that due to the addition of reinforced truss, the steel plates near the mid-span of eccentrically compressed CCFST columns experienced multi-wave buckling rather than single-wave buckling after the peak load was reduced to 85%, and the failure mode of concrete also changed from single-section to multi-section collapse failure. Comparisons were made with the unstiffened specimen. The ductility coefficient of the stiffened specimen with eccentricity ratios of 0.08-0.15 and node spacings of 140 mm~200 mm increased by 70~83%, approaching that of the multi-cell specimens with an increasing steel ratio of 1.8%. In addition, by comparing the test results with the calculation results of four domestic and international design codes, it was found that the Chinese codes CECS159-2018 and GB50936-2014, and the Eurocode 4 (2004) can be better employed to predict the compression bearing capacity of truss-reinforced CCFST columns.

Axial compression performance of concrete-filled steel tubular columns with damaged BFRP jackets

Concrete-filled basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) -steel composite tube (CFBCT) columns have become a highly anticipated composite structure. The lateral confinement provided by BFRP can effectively suppress the possible local buckling of the steel tube, thereby achieving the goal of optimizing axial compression performance. With the widespread application of CFBCT in engineering practice, the BFRP outer layer is likely to be affected by factors such as construction accidents or connection design, resulting in slotting and drilling damage to the BFRP outer layer. Therefore, the mechanical properties of CFBCT subjected to local damage are critical. This article examined the effects of slotting and drilling the BFRP outer layer on the axial compression performance. The non-uniform strain distribution at the damaged site was analyzed using digital image correlation (DIC) testing technology. The results show that the local damage can lead to a decrease in the bearing capacity and ductility. Compared with drilling damage, slotting has a more significant impact on axial behavior. Due to the local damage, the ultimate stress decrease by 8.1 % and 12.4 % respectively. A new computational method was introduced to predict the quantitative impact of local damage on CFBCT.

3D numerical study of axial compression behavior of concrete-filled steel tubular columns from mesoscopic perspective

This study investigates the axial compression behavior of Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular (CFST) short columns from a mesoscopic perspective. Concrete is regarded as a three-phase composite material consisting of aggregates, mortar, and interfacial transition zones (ITZs). The Concrete Damaged Plasticity (CDP) model was employed to simulate the nonlinear mechanical response and fracture characteristics of concrete. Verified against experimental results, the numerical model excels in realistically simulating the uniaxial compression behavior of CFST short columns. Subsequently, factors influencing the macroscopic behavior of CFST short columns were investigated. Results indicate that the random aggregate model adopted for concrete enables a more realistic prediction of the behavior of CFST short columns. Additionally, circular section steel tubes demonstrate a stronger confinement effect compared to square ones. With increasing lateral confinement, the properties of CFST short columns, such as bearing capacity and ductility, are significantly enhanced.

Seismic performance of high-strength steel octagonal double-sided plate joints in wall-type concrete-filled steel tubular columns connected to steel beams

This study explores the use of a novel octagonal double-sided plate joint made from high-strength steel for connecting steel beams to wall-type concrete-filled steel tubular (WCFST) columns, which is a new solution to the problem of traditional side plate extending from the wall and interfering with wall panel installation. Two full-scale test specimens were developed and assessed under cyclic loading. The results illustrate that the joint specimens exhibit considerable energy dissipation capacities. After experimental verification, a reliable finite element model was obtained and used for a parametric analysis of side plate dimensions. The results suggest that the height, thickness, and strength grade of the side plate should be 1.2 times the beam height, 1.0 times the beam flange thickness, and Q460C, respectively. Hence, the well-designed proposed joint can be employed with less steel and is superior to previous joints in terms of load capacity and energy consumption.

Axial compression behaviour of square concrete-filled stainless-clad bimetallic steel tubular stub columns

Concrete-filled stainless-clad bimetallic steel tube (CFSCBST) members combines the advantages of excellent corrosion-resistance and good economy compared with conventional concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) members, which has great prospects in engineering application. This paper presents a comprehensive experimental and numerical investigation into the axial compression behaviour of CFSCBST stub columns with square sections. A total of eight specimens was conducted on CFSCBST specimens, incorporating varying width-to-thickness ratios, clad ratios and steel strengths, The experimental investigation provided a detailed report on failure modes, load versus displacement and strain response. The experimental results were utilized in a parallel numerical simulation to validate the finite element (FE) model. Subsequently, an extended parametric analysis was conducted to investigate the influence of the strength of the concrete, the substrate steel grade, the clad ratio, and the width-to-thickness ratio were carried out. The data obtained from tests and numerical studies were used to evaluate the applicability of existing design codes AISC/ANSI 360-22, EN 1994–1-1, GB 50936–2014 and DBJ/T 13-51-2020 for predicting the compressive capacity of square CFSCBST stub columns. Overall, a modified design method was proposed, adapted from DBJ/T 13-51-2020, was proposed for CFSCBST stub columns, demonstrating enhanced accuracy in predictions.

Behavior of UHPC filled high-strength square steel tubular stub columns under combined flexural and axial loads

This study experimentally and numerically investigated the behaviors of UHPC-filled high-strength square steel tube stub columns with compact, noncompact and slender sections under combined flexural and axial loads. Eighteen tests were conducted, addressing the gap of limited tests on concrete-filled square steel tubular stub columns with noncompact or slender sections. Additionally, finite element analyses were developed and benchmarked for parametric studies. The results of tests and parametric studies show that (1) steel tube outward buckling and concrete crushing occurred at 1/4–1/2L of the compression zone; (2) the load-axial displacement curves organized into three phases: elastic, elastic-plastic, and recession phase; (3) the compressive strength increased with increasing tube thickness, concrete strength, and steel yield strength. The compressive strength decreased with increasing eccentric ratio and slenderness coefficient. Test and numerical results are utilized to assess the suitability of current design specifications for predicting compressive strength. The evaluation showed that neither GB 50936–2014 nor Eurocode 4 provided reasonable predictions of strength, while AISC 360–16 provided conservative predictions.

Simplified finite-element analysis method for local and global prediction on axial compression behavior of square spiral-confined reinforced concrete-filled steel tubular columns

Square spiral-confined reinforced concrete-filled steel tubular (SSCRCFST) columns have recently been proposed as an advanced form of composite columns. However, there is still a lack of an efficient approach that can accurately predict both their section-average behavior and local concrete behavior. This paper presented a novel simplified method combining elastic finite element analysis with accurate material laws of concrete, steel tube and longitudinal bar to analyze the axially compressive behavior of SSCRCFST columns. The proposed method utilized elastic finite-element analysis to approximate the distribution and ultimate state of confining stress within each core concrete element, which was then substituted into the Mander confined concrete model to obtain the strength enhancement in each core concrete element subjected to different level of lateral confinement. Finally, the integrated compressive curve of a column can be derived by summarizing the strength of all elements. Verification of the proposed method against a large test database confirmed its capability to accurately capture the results of existing compression tests of SSCRCFST columns. The proposed computationally efficient method was then used to investigate both the section-average and local behavior of SSCRCFST column under monotonic compression for an improved understanding of the confinement mechanism. Finally, a reasonably modified design method for the axial strength of SSCRCFST column was proposed based on research findings in this study, which led to the continuity in the axial strength predictions of SSCRCFST columns with various corner radius ratio and showed good agreement with the test results.

Interaction and compatibility between steel and concrete of circular CFST stub columns with high-strength materials

To promote the application of high-strength-materials in concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns, finite element modeling, and parametric analysis were conducted on circular CFST stub columns filled with normal-strength concrete (NSC) and ultra-high strength concrete (UHSC). For simulating properties of concrete under passive confinement, a three-dimensional constitutive model for NSC and UHSC was established, of which the stress-strain relation and evolution of dilation angle are both related to confining pressure and axial plastic strain. The model was verified by tests of CFHSST (concrete-filled high-strength steel tube) and UHSCFST (ultra-high-strength concrete-filled steel tube), demonstrating that the interaction between concrete and steel tube can be revealed correctly. Parameter analysis of CFST stub columns filled with NSC and UHSC was carried out, with the grade of steel tube covering from Q235 to Q890 and the D/t ratio ranging from 8.9 to 75. With the decrease of D/t ratio, the deformation capacity and post-peak performance of columns are improved. A recommended range of steel contribution ratio of UHSCFST was proposed for the consideration of cost and safety, which is 25% ∼ 63%. Based on the analysis of interaction between concrete and steel tubes, the compatibility of the two materials is recommended, of which the yield of steel tube occurs after contact with concrete and before the concrete reaches its peak strength. Besides, the formula in EC4 overestimates the load-bearing capacity of CFST stub columns with high-strength materials. Therefore, a modified formula was proposed that reduces the enhancement factor of concrete strength and enables a safer prediction of load-bearing capacity.

Behaviour of eccentrically loaded concrete-filled rectangular ferritic stainless steel tubular slender columns: Numerical modelling and design

Ferritic stainless steel achieves a lower and steady price level due to low nickel content compared to duplex and austenitic stainless steels. Accordingly, the combination of ferritic stainless steel tube and concrete will have better application prospects in corrosive marine environments. However, the structural application of concrete-filled ferritic stainless steel tube (CFFSST) members is still limited due to the absence of performance data and design guidelines. Accordingly, this paper aims to comprehensively investigate the behaviour of eccentrically loaded concrete-filled rectangular ferritic stainless steel tubular (CFRFSST) slender columns using the nonlinear finite element (FE) method, and develop a suitable design method. Two different material models were introduced to simulate corner and flat regions of rectangular ferritic stainless steel tube. Good consistency was found between the simulation and experimental results against the failure mode, ultimate load and moment, and axial load versus mid-height deflection curves for eccentrically loaded CFRFSST slender columns. This is followed by the mechanism analysis and parameter study of the studied CFRFSST columns, which revealed that the longitudinal stress and Mises stress show significant changes perpendicular to the loading line direction, while there is almost no change along the loading line direction. In addition, the initial stiffness and ultimate load increased by increasing the cross-sectional aspect ratio, yield stress and concrete strength, while they decreased as the eccentricity ratio, slenderness ratio and width-to-thickness ratio increased. The outputs of the FE analysis and existing experimental results were used to examine the applicability of current design codes for designing the studied CFRFSST columns. The results demonstrated an unexpected deviation generated in the design predictions. At the end, a new design method for eccentrically loaded CFRFSST slender columns was proposed which achieved better predictive consistency.

Experimental behavior of axially loaded circular high-strength concrete-filled high-strength steel tubular stub columns after exposure to fire

The high-strength concrete-filled high-strength steel tubular (HCFHST) column is an innovative type of high-performance steel-concrete composite component, which has a broad prospect for engineering applications. To investigate the axial compressive behavior of post-fire HCFHST stub columns with circular cross-sections, twenty-five specimens were heated following ISO 834 standard fire and then loaded to failure under axial compression after being cooled. The effects of various heating durations, concrete and steel strength on the temperature distribution, spalling of the steel-concrete interface, post-fire ultimate bearing capacity and axial stiffness were analyzed. The residual ultimate capacity and axial stiffness of HCFHST stub columns experience a pronounced decrease as the heating duration increases. High strength steel has no significant contribution to the enhancement of the post-fire axial stiffness of HCFHST stub columns, and the effect level of high-strength concrete on the failure load of composite columns subjected to different heating durations is similar. Finally, the applicability of relevant equations for the residual compressive capacity of the ordinary strength CFST column to HCFHST stub columns was evaluated. The evaluation results revealed that available methods of conventional strength CFST stub columns cannot obtain accurate post-fire resistance predictions of circular HCFHST stub columns.

Research on Mechanical Properties of Concrete-Filled Double-Skin Circular Steel Tubular Columns Stiffened by Perforated Steel Plates Under Axial Compression

Research on Mechanical Properties of Concrete-Filled Double-Skin Circular Steel Tubular Columns Stiffened by Perforated Steel Plates Under Axial Compression

An analytical model for axially compressed circular concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) short columns with varied confinement factors

Accurate evaluation of the load-strain behavior of axially compressed concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) short columns is pivotal for engineering structures, and depends on precise prediction of the hoop-axial strain response. This study introduces a two-stage hoop-axial strain relationship that incorporates the initial Poisson's ratio and elastic limit to account for the initial linearity of concrete, and a reduction coefficient to take into account the effect of concrete strength on lateral deformation properties, based on a widely used hoop-axial equation. Experimental validation across a definite concrete strength range of 28 MPa to 125.3 MPa reveals improved predictions for the dilation rate of CFST columns subjected to axial compression, particularly for those columns fabricated with high-strength concrete (> 100 MPa). Subsequently, an analytical model consisting of the proposed two-stage strain relationship, a confined concrete model with inflection-point strain and residual strength, and the biaxial stress-strain relationship of steel tube is then established to estimate the compressive behavior of circular CFST short columns. Experimental verification over a range of confinements (confinement factor from 0.289 to 2.138) demonstrates the ability of the proposed analytical model to accurately capture the load-strain curves of circular CFST short columns, especially the post-peak behavior of those with confinement factors less than 1. The performance of the established analytical model in assessing the axial load-carrying capacity of circular CFST stub columns is investigated using a database assembled from available studies.

Axial compression performance of rubberized concrete-filled steel tubular stub columns after fire exposure: Experimental investigation and calculation models

Rubberized concrete (RuC) has emerged as a promising eco-friendly solution for structural elements, offering improved energy dissipation, damping characteristics, and ductility. Incorporating rubber particles into concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns presents an environmentally conscious alternative for various structural applications. However, understanding its performance post-fire is crucial for safe design application, an area currently lacking comprehensive research. This study investigates the structural behavior of sixteen axially loaded circular RuCFST columns after exposure to fire. The columns, with diameters of 219 mm and 377 mm, are filled with normal concrete and RuC, containing 5 %, 15 %, and 30 % replacement of natural fine and coarse aggregate with rubber particles. Following ISO-834 fire standards, the specimens undergo elevated temperatures and subsequent application of compressive axial loads to determine their post-fire behavior. Analysis includes examination of failure modes, temperature-time relationships, axial load-deformation curves, and strain and stress development in the columns. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) is conducted to study internal morphology before and after exposure to high temperatures. Results indicate non-uniform and nonlinear distributions of maximum temperatures across cross-sections, with historical temperature affecting residual capacity more significantly with increased rubber content and decreased column size. Load-bearing capacities decrease by up to 30 % and 22 % for small and large RuCFST columns, respectively, after exposure to fire. Residual axial stiffness also declines, with reductions of nearly 55 % and 42 % for small and large columns, respectively. In contrast, ductility improves in fire-exposed specimens, with columns having a 30 % rubber replacement ratio showing the highest enhancement. A novel method for calculating post-fire residual load capacity based on the average historical maximum temperature is introduced, demonstrating high accuracy and offering a valuable tool for assessing and reinforcing RuCFST columns after fire exposure.

Axial compressive behavior of reinforced hollow circular high strength concrete filled steel tubular short columns

This study aims to investigate the mechanical behavior of reinforced hollow circular high-strength concrete-filled steel tubular (RHCFST) short columns under axial compression. The axial compression test of 6 RHCFST short columns was carried out, and the bearing capacity, ductility and failure modes of the columns were analyzed. The results revealed that the failure modes of RHCFST short columns primarily included mixed failure, shear failure, and crushing failure. Comparatively, the failure modes of specimens with ordinary reinforcement exhibited a shift towards mixed failure, significant improvement in ductility, and a decrease in the increase trend of ultimate bearing capacity with the growth of steel tube thickness. Based on the test results, finite element models were developed using ABAQUS software for parameter analysis. The results demonstrated a positive correlation between the short column’s bearing capacity and parameters such as steel strength, sandwich concrete strength, steel tube thickness, and ordinary reinforcement diameter. Additionally, the initial stiffness of the short column increased with the increase of steel tube thickness. Considering the mechanical properties and engineering applicability of the member, the recommended design of steel tube yield strength, sandwich concrete strength, steel tube thickness and ordinary reinforcement diameter were given. Furthermore, the axial bearing capacity calculation formulae for RHCFST short columns were proposed. The calculated values were found to closely match both experimental and simulated values, with errors falling within 10 %. Consequently, the formulae can offer a reliable prediction of the member’s axial bearing capacity.